Willis Creek - GSENM

Willis Creek as you can see is just magnificent! It's located off Skutumpah Road (between Mt. Carmel Jct. and Cannonville) in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It's only a couple of miles before you would run into Sheep Creek, but you can follow that to Bull Valley Gorge (another spectacular slot canyon in the Staircase) or visa versa. Combine the three and you can have a long day hike or an overnight backpack. There is a cool stream that runs through Willis Creek. That along with the high walls makes this a great summer hike.

Dang it! Work is usually my problem too! That is why I go places that are only a few minutes to an hour from home. I tend to go with the weather... choosing a hike that is comfortable for whatever the weather is. You guys on this site sure seem to choose the cold stuff often though. ;)

Well, I could learn a lesson from you then on timing my hikes for good weather; I've failed to reach my destination on 5 hikes since September, with weather the biggest factor. You're really fortunate to live so close to Colorado Plateau goodness; it's always at least a 4-hour drive for me, whereas the Wasatch is within an hour so I'm usually there. But the cold stuff is pretty, and it's usually easier for me to retain body heat than to shed it.
cheers

That distance makes all the difference! We don't usually even choose what we are going to hike until a day or so ahead of time and then we have a good idea of what the weather will be. It's always good to have a Plan B though just in case Plan A does not work. You are right... I live in Paradise. :)

I've never been there; but I can see what you guys do in the summer. The drive I remember was going south on the Cottonwood Canyon Road.
I had a nice 4x4 back then, and time off from work in September. The Cottonwoods along that watercourse were BLAZING with color. And after I passed that big Arch, I was pretty much alone with the awesome scenery. Thanks!
Your ALBUMS look great!!!

Chairperson! That was back in the 1990s, shortly after GSENM became GSENM! I remember signing a "visitor's log" there at the Arch, and it said that Clinton had signed the proclamation papers. Everybody had placed
an enormous "WOW" on the log sheet! Thank you, Chairperson of the Board. : )